City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held November 14, 2024, at 7:32 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. “I HEREBY ANNOUNCE AND STATE THAT ADEQUATE NOTICE OF THIS MEETING WAS PROVIDED BY VIRTUE OF A RESOLUTION SCHEDULING THE TIME, DATE AND PLACE OF MEETINGS OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS FOR THE YEAR 2024; WHICH RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL ON JANUARY 4th 2024, AND PUBLISHED IN THE MORRIS NEWS BEE AND THE DAILY RECORD; AND BY POSTING OF SUCH RESOLUTION ON THE BULLETIN BOARD IN THE BOROUGH HALL; ALL OF THE ABOVE ACTIONS BEING IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq.” Present on Roll Call: Mayor Jason C. Karr Councilmembers: Nancy Verga Art Bruhn Salvatore Cortese Cathie Kelly Dennis Wagner Absent: Joan Goddard Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Wagner stated the Star Ledger newspaper is going digital and he suggested the town PlainsTalk also go digital which will save money. He stated the PlainsTalk is already online and copies could be picked up in the Clerk’s office. Mayor Karr said he is opposed to this suggestion because this has been a staple of our small community and has been for 20 years. Cross discussion. Mayor Karr stated everyone has a copy of the Planning Board recommendations including reports from the board secretary and planner regarding the request for zone change at 300 Tabor Road. Mayor Karr reported NJ Transit ordered 2 new pumps for the underpass and 20 lights were fixed in the large parking lot. The lights in the small lot are being worked on and the overgrown trees were cleaned up. Mayor Karr attended a meeting with NJ Transit, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and representatives from Amtrak to discuss various issues including wires, trees, delays and infrastructure problems. Mayor Karr discussed a NJDOT meeting regarding the widening of Route 10 in which they did not agree with the plans. The widening would severely impact the businesses by closing off driveways and removing parking spaces from businesses. Mayor Karr stated an information session with the SMCMUA will be held on December 4th with the affected residents regarding the Stiles Avenue water main replacement project. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 7:41 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-150A entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:18 P.M. Councilmember Kelly moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Cortese moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:18 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held November 14, 2024 at 8:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER Notice to members of the Governing Body and Borough Staff: Any use of electronic devices during this meeting shall be used solely for the purposes of Borough business. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Verga moved: THAT the minutes of the Conference and Regular Meetings of October 17, 2024 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: Councilmember Bruhn APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Verga moved: REPORTS Municipal Court, October 2024 Grant Writer, October 2024 Building Inspector, October 2024 Borough Clerk, October 2024 Animal Licensing, October 2024 Animal Control, October 2024 Tax Collector, October 2024 Treasurer, October 2024 Resolution 2024-151 entitled, ““RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SALE OF CHRISTMAS TREES AND RELATED ITEMS AT THE V.F.W. POST #3401, ROUTE 53.” Resolution 2024-152 entitled, “ROTARY CLUB OF MORRIS PLAINS RAFFLE LICENSE NO. 344-24.” Resolution 2024-153 entitled, “GIFT OF LIFE INC. OF NJ RAFFLE LICENSE NO. 345-24.” Resolution 2024-154 entitled, “RESOLUTION REFERRING PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE BOROUGH’S ZONING ORDINANCE FOR BLOCK 101.01 LOT 2.01 TO THE BOROUGH’S PLANNING BOARD.” Resolution 2024-155 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF CONTRACT NO. G.2022, MONTHLY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF SEWAGE PUMPING STATION.” Resolution 2024-156 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF CONTRACT NO. F.2022, UNIFORM RENTAL AND CLEANING SERVICES.” Resolution 2024-157 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF CONTRACT NO. E.2022, FURNISHING AND DELIVERY OF COMPUTER CONSULTING SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES.” Resolution 2024-158 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF CONTRACT NO. 2023.A, SHADE TREE WORK.” Resolution 2024-159 entitled, “RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPROVAL OF ITEMS OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATION N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE GRANT.” Resolution 2024-160 entitled, “FORM OF RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPROVAL OF ITEMS OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATION N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 DRUNK DRIVING ENFORCEMENT FUND.” Resolution 2024-161 entitled, “RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPROVAL OF ITEMS OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATION N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 AAA NORTHEAST-NJ DIVISION OF HIGHWAY SAFETY PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ENFORCEMENT GRANT.” The Mayor be authorized to execute the 2024 Trail Construction Grant Agreement for the Community Park Trail Phase I Design between the County of Morris and the Borough of Morris Plains. Borough Council authorize the release and return of engineering review and inspection fees in the amount of $429.80 to Tom Avers, 3 Sanford Court, Morris Plains, NJ, for Road Opening #991 per the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated October 23, 2024. Having received quotes to replace the Boiler at 555 Speedwell Ave. from the following: Webster Plumbing $7,980.00 Cullen Plumbing $9,950.00 Air Group $15,640.00 That a purchase order be issued to Webster Plumbing, 8 W. Main St., PO Box 529, Brookside, NJ in the amount of $7,980.00.  The Mayor and Council approve the closure of the Speedwell Avenue Extension Merchant Block for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting being held Sunday, December 8 th at 6:00pm. The Police Department to provide traffic control and the Department of Public Works will provide the necessary barricades. The Mayor and Council approve the closure of the Speedwell Avenue Extension Merchant Block for the Annual Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop being held Sunday, December 29 th at 6:00pm. The Police Department to provide traffic control and the Department of Public Works will provide the necessary barricades. The Borough Council approve the membership application of Shane M. Kelly, 233 Malapardis Road, Morris Plains, as a member of the Morris Plains Fire Department. The Borough Council approve the membership application of Frank Nunn, 17 Sherman Avenue, Morris Plains as a member of the Morris Plains Junior Fire Auxiliary. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: None PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Bill Houston, 80 Glenbrook Road, thanked the council for all of their hard work and especially Cathie Kelly for all she has done during her terms. Councilmember Kelly thanked Bill and congratulated him on becoming a councilmember. Cathy Pond, 28 Hillview Avenue, cited Borough code, Article 5, 22-5, regarding trucks being excluded from certain streets. Ms. Pond would like Hillview Avenue and Rosedale Avenue added to this listing due since they are being used as a cut thru. Mayor Karr stated we would not need to add these roads due to trucks not being able to access them since trucks are not allowed on Mountain Way. Cross discussion regarding cut throughs. Jessica Orr, 15 Hillview Avenue, stated her family has lived in town for decades and adding a McDonald’s is not safe for Speedwell Avenue and is concerned about overflow parking on side streets. Ms. Orr wants to know the council’s plan to keep children and residents safe and how the council will be working to alleviate traffic on Speedwell Avenue. She also discussed the rat problem in her neighborhood. Mayor Karr stated neither he or any councilmembers can discuss the McDonald’s application and traffic is going to get worse with the new legislation for affordable housing. Morris Plains is required to have 137 units in which 5 market rate units can be built totaling 685. The surrounding towns numbers were higher making a possibility of 9,000 units in the next 10 years. There is nowhere to widen road or limit traffic. Mayor Karr stated the Health Department was very responsive about the rats which possibly came from road construction here and in Morris Township. Residents were feeding outdoor animals, had piles of woodchips, an abandoned house and construction at the school also could have brought the rats to the area. Cross discussion. Rachel Reinhart, 40 Stiles Avenue, asked if crosswalk improvement will still take place if McDonald’s is not approved. Mayor Karr stated a grant has been received for a crosswalk and we will not hear anything from the NJDOT until December. Ms. Reinhart asked about replacing the faded flags to cross Speedwell Avenue. Mayor Karr stated they were replaced over the summer and the Police Department can look into replacing them again. Mayor Karr also stated the Police Department conducts crosswalk enforcement daily. Paul Clolery, 18 Hillview Avenue, stated Mayor Karr has been very responsive regarding rats in his neighborhood, however, there are 7 houses that are still paying out of pocket for rodent control and he has spent $4,000.00 to date. Mr. Clolery asked if there were other options for traffic, a crossing guard, Don’t Block the Box does not work. Mayor Karr stated there are traffic problems everywhere and it is only going to get worse. The Police Department knows where the trouble spots are. Mayor Karr stated the health and safety of our residents is his #1 priority. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Wagner reported on the Chapter 159 resolutions for grant money and thanked all who work on grants throughout the year. Mr. Wagner reported the Clerk’s office is working on OPRA’s, professional service contracts, elections, parking permits and animal licensing. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese reported the Police Department is wearing camouflage patches to honor veterans and will not be shaving for the months of November and December to raise money for Men’s Cancer Research and Special Olympics. Fire Department’s Report Chief Rongo gave an update on calls, and reported pumps, hose and ladders were tested. The ladder truck is scheduled for maintenance and testing. Chief Rongo reported turnout gear was ordered, the Halloween Parade was successful, the radio system was completed and the recycled PD car was lettered and serviced. He also reported on the brush fires in the area and the fire restrictions. A live burn training refresher and training at Morristown Airport is scheduled. Chief Rongo reported Santa Claus and the tree lighting will take place on December 8th and Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop will be December 29th. Morris Plains FD will be helping Cedar Knolls with their Christmas celebration on November 30th. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported the department will be receiving the AAA award for traffic safety. He also reported 3 officers will be riding to Washington DC on the Police Unity Tour 300-mile bike ride to honor fallen officers. Chief Koroski reported there will be increased patrols the day before Thanksgiving, Black Friday, the weekend and the week preceding Christmas and Hanukah. He also reported there has been an increase in shoplifting in the Kohl’s Plaza and also gave a deer cull update. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn reported on Beautification cleanup, the DPW serviced vehicles, picked up garbage, leaf collection, Christmas lights and helped with the Pumpkin Illumination. He also reported on the Halloween parade and thanked the PD, FD, Ladies Auxiliary and Recreation departments for all their help. Engineers Report Mr. Ryden reported the warehouse project on Tabor Road is almost complete along with Route 53 widening and intersection improvements. The capital roads project punch list is being worked on and should be completed by the end of the year. Mr. Ryden reported a grant was received for the Route 53 sidewalk project and the Borough will be applying for a one-year extension and another grant in the amount of $174,000.00 was received for the Northview Drive road construction project. Public Buildings & Grounds In the absence of Councilmember Goddard, no report was given. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Verga reported CBS 2 News will be filming at Morristown High School Class Act segment on Friday which will air from 5:00 am to 7:00 am. She also reported on a Board of Health meeting at which Carole Howell was celebrated for being the secretary for 40 years. Board of Health fees were also reviewed, the rabies clinic will be January 4th, 2025, health inspections were completed, 41 flu shots were given and 9 blood pressure screenings. Ms. Verga reported the Municipal Alliance will be having a Friendsgiving on November 22nd and Stage Fun production will be November 15th. Ms. Verga reported the Teen Center held a Halloween dance, the 6th grade had an event and there will be an upcoming movie night. She also reported interviews for a supervisor were completed and there will be a new hire soon. Ms. Verga reported on Clean Communities cleanup. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Kelly reported on 14 JCP&L street light outages, Halloween parade and Veterans Day celebration at VFW. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES Councilmember Kelly introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 8 - 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $175,000.00 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR THE VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY Councilmember Wagner seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Kelly offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on November 14, 2024 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on December 5, 2024 at 8:30 P.M. prevailing time in the Municipal Building in the said Borough, this Council will further consider for Second Reading and final passage of said ordinance. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of this Borough be and she is hereby directed to publish and mail the proper notice therefor, including the ordinance, post the ordinance on the Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building and make copies available to members of the general public. Councilmember Verga seconded the resolution. Voice vote. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: None ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Wagner moved the vouchers for November 14, 2024 in the amount of $4,641,449.06, seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:30 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk